If you've ever dug through your crisper bins to find your carrots to be frozen little sticks, then you know the pains of having a refrigerator that's set to the wrong temperature. Likewise, one that's too warm can have adverse effects. Do you know the temperature your fridge should be set at? Here's a hint — it's not always the same thing! More

I grew up with the convenience of a dishwasher although my young self wasn't thrilled with having to empty it every day after school as one of my household chores. But since I've left home, I've rarely lived in a place that has a dishwasher and, to be frank, I seldom use one even if it does come with my apartment, especially if I'm living alone. Do you live alone and use your dishwasher with any frequency? More

Q: My wife and I have found a house we love, but the owners are taking the stainless steel gas Jenn-Air range/oven combo. Any suggestions on a replacement? Our closing is May 25, so we have some time, but need to get things in order financially soon. We're willing to pay a little extra for quality, but nothing overly expensive.

Sent by Brian More

My oven broke over Christmas. That's four months without a big oven. I could have had it repaired at any time but never felt the urgent need to do so. That's because I have my Breville Smart Oven. (I don't work for Breville or have any ties to the company whatsoever, I promise). The Smart Oven toasts, bakes, broils, and reheats. It's perfect for someone living alone or for couples. But it's also great for cooking for kids. I always hated heating up an entire oven for 8 tiny faux-chicken nuggets or a small Amy's Organic pizza for my kids! In fact, I am starting to think I could probably live without a big oven; that space could be better served with drawers or shelves. More

Who: MK, Italian kitchen design
What We Noticed: I don't think of myself as a minimalist, but this hood and sleek wood island with integrated cooktop literally stopped me in my tracks at EuroCucina. In context it felt serene and quiet, unfussy and very functional. The white almost blends in to the ceiling, and the woods keeps it feeling warm. Nothing here is trying too hard.
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Trend: Gas on glass stovetops
Where We Saw It Electrolux, KitchenAid/Whirlpool, Franke, Smeg
These stovetops were front and center all week at EuroCucina: All the easy cleanup of a glass surface, but the power of a gas stove. These sleek, beautiful, gas on glass cooktops we saw this week combine beauty and functionality in a serious way. I'm curious to know how the glass holds up to dropped pans and knives; does it chip or scratch over time? More

Who: Minacciola
What We Noticed: Everyone was talking about this articulating hood vent -- you can grab it and move it anywhere over the stove. I'm a bit perplexed as the advantages of a movable hood, but it looked pretty dang cool. Paired with the red spigot knobs on the range, this was downright steampunk. Also of note at Minicciola's booth: There was an entire wall built of crates full of real tomatoes. More photos below... More

Who: Hacker and Azule
What We Noticed: This red kitchen was one of the last things I saw at EuroCucina, and it stopped me in my tracks. It had modern lines, but was softened by the raised relief pattern on the drawers. And those tiles on the back wall — wow! I discovered they are from a cement (encaustic) tile company in the Netherlands. The kitchen is part of a new line from Hacker called 'Identity,' designed by Claudia Klein Zeggelink. Hard to express how beautiful this whole scene was in person. More photos below... More

Who: Electrolux
What We Noticed: We already mentioned these modular gas burners from Electrolux, but we also wanted to point out this black brushed steel dishwasher finish. Sleek and clean, like stainless steel, but look Ma — no fingerprints! It has a really interesting and pleasing texture — we'd be very happy to see this join glossy white as a new standard appliance finish. More

Who: Alpes Inox, German kitchen design
What We Noticed: This modestly-sized stainless steel cabinet didn't look like much... until we opened it and found practically a whole kitchen inside! Read on for more info and photos. More